Languished Life

by Patrik Mielonen

  Oreon is moving twice as fast as a regular human. He dodges Tenil’s massive weapon by sliding, simultaneously thrusting the longsword at Tenil.

  The tip barely touches her chestplate, for Tenil has seized the blade with her left hand. Oreon tries to pull it, but since Tenil is clenching it while wearing armored gloves, he is forced to discard the longsword since he lacks the strength to do it.

  Tenil’s strength isn’t a laughing matter. She’s developed well during the war. She is taller than Oreon, and her stamina is far greater too. She is, after all, the Red Demon.

  Having retreated, Oreon spits.

  “Go back to your master, dog,” Tenil insults.

  Oreon clicks his tongue. He stands straight without any stance, right hand extended. Dark matter gathers around his hand, a whorl of darkness. Gradually, an object forms out of the dark air, taking the shape of a longsword.

  Conversely, the previous longsword becomes dust. Tenil is alarmed. What else can Oreon do?

  “I told, I’m going to KILL YOU! HAHA!”

  His eyes become black almost completely. His pupils are white, but smaller than before. Furthermore, dark substance is creeping all over his face.

  Oreon lunges at Tenil, moving slightly faster than before. Tenil barely manages to parry the incoming strike, following it up with a kick to stagger Oreon. She then swings the massive chunk of hulking iron. However, she can’t land the killing blow. Oreon is far too nimble.

  “HAHAHA!” Oreon laughs like a maniac. The black matter soon covers his face. “I’ll kill you!”

  Tenil retreats a few steps. “Not today.”

  Seemingly irritated by Tenil’s attitude, Oreon talks back. “Fine then.”

  Suddenly, the dark aura intensifies. Oreon is engulfed in a torrent of black fire. Mad laughter can be heard within, laughter that doesn’t sound natural. And once the flames are gone, a surreal figure is revealed.

  A black knight now stands before Tenil. In the joints of the dark armor, burning embers can be seen. Smoke is rising from the gaps. Oreon is practically burning in the armor, but he doesn’t seem to be in pain.

  “The Old One has granted me power!”

  Just in time, Tenil manages to raise her weapon protectively as black tentacles extend from Oreon. Tenil is knocked back by the blow, and Oreon charges again, attacking with the dark longsword. He won’t miss. He can’t miss.

  “Eh?” Oreon is taken by surprise when he realizes his blade hasn’t pierced Tenil’s armor—the obsidian armor.

  An ear-shattering roar reverberates.

  Oreon is sent flying.

  The dragonic beast brings its massive weapon at the burning knight, vertically swinging the tool of destruction. Oreon dodges just in time, and the rocky earth is crushed by the beast’s blade.

  “Finally, you’ve taken that accursed form!”

  The dragonic knight merely growls, unable to understand any speech. Once it’s vented steam from its obsidian nostrils, it charges again.

  The burning knight does the same. They’re clashing their blades.

  Blood is spilled, both black and red.

  Oreon cries in pain.

  The beast roars, retreating.

  The dragon’s fang has severed Oreon’s left arm, but Oreon has pierced the obsidian armor and wounded Tenil’s left side of the waist. The dragonic knight might’ve lost all reasoning, but it still has survival instincts. Therefore, it withdraws.

  Suddenly, Oreon’s cry turns into laughter. Simultaneously, the earth starts trembling violently. Something is rising from the depths of the earth, something extremely large. Some of the buildings in the city are falling apart. A few soldiers lose their balance on the wall and fall off the inner edge where there is no rampart whatsoever.

  “Hahaha! Come, master! Come!” Oreon kneels, black blood gushing from the severed arm. He isn’t a human anymore.

  Next to the capital of Valoria, between the two armies, a massive spire bursts from the ground, expanding to the skies. It casts a shadow over the city, blotting the Sun. It’s a black rock that seems to suck in all light, and faint movement can be seen on its surface as if the stone were breathing. The diameter of the object is at least 300 yards.

  The earthquake halts.

  “Hahaha! Once I recover, I’ll kill you, Tenil!” Oreon declares as he retreats towards the massive, ominous rock.

  The beast returns to the city. The gates are briefly opened for it, and as soon as it gets in, the obsidian armor turns into dust. Tenil collapses on the spot, suppressing the urge to cry. The wound might kill her if it isn’t taken care of soon. Or at least that’s what the soldiers think.

  “Sir! Medics are on their way!” Lieutenant Lerrot runs to her side.

  “No need,” Tenil says, “the wound hasn’t healed, yes, but as you can see, it’s closed.”

  Certainly, she isn’t bleeding, but her armor is bloodied. The dragon’s obsidian armor burned the wound to stop the bleeding, even from the inside. Obviously, that doesn’t guarantee she’ll live to see the next day.

  “But Sir—”

  “Shut up. I will see the medics once the situation is under control. Right now, we need to deal with the enemy armies.”

  “...Fine. Orders?”

  “Tell everyone to gather—”

  “Sir!!!” An archer shouts from above, “The black rock that just appeared has begun attacking!”

  “What? How!?”

  “Black creatures are spawning from it! They’re attacking us and the hostile armies!” He doesn’t appear to be lying, as sounds of archers shooting can be heard down there.

  “Lerrot, did you gather our men to the Western gate?”

  “Yes.”

  “Alright. We are leaving! Everyone, retreat to the Western gate! We will flee to South!”

  Indeed, dark creatures are spawning from the black rock. They have claws and fangs. The texture of their skin is transparent, but corporeal. Dark air surrounds them, an aura that denies light.

  Tenil and her massive weapon are transported to the Western gate on a cart. The axle protests as Tenil puts down the heavy sword on the cart.

  As soon as they get to the other side of the city, Tenil asks for a report. “What is the situation?”

  “Sir, the enemy armies are forced to defend from the black creatures. They cannot pursue us if we retreat now,” Ireine explains.

  “Perfect. Whatever that rock is, it has granted us a chance to escape this trap. Are the men ready to depart?”

  “Very soon, Sir. Not everyone has managed to retreat here.”

  “If they do not show up soon, we leave them behind. We cannot risk losing 10,000 soldiers.”

  “Understood!”

  ***

  As the Knights of the Red Flag retreat to South, chased by Black Demons, the two armies from Phyr and Aera are also falling back. Oreon is watching it unfold from the root of the black rock. He laughs like a maniac, slowly burning under the armor. He isn’t dying, however. It’s the opposite; he is regenerating, thanks to the Old One’s influence.

  “Flee, Tenil! Flee! It’ll only prolong your end!”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Alexiana & Louir

  The Sun is setting. The Division of the Red Demon has managed to retreat from the danger zone. They’re in the wilderness, resting next to a river. The soldiers are uneasy, but not afraid. Their pride doesn’t allow them to be afraid. They’re the feared Knights of the Red Flag, so they can’t afford to show weakness.

  They’re eating handfuls of rations as they sit on the ground. Those who’re at the edge of the formation are eyeing the terrain for any possible threat. Medics have already tended to Tenil’s wound, but that doesn’t mean she can fight yet. She has removed her armor, and her backpack is being carried by Lerrot. The only burden she has is the dragon’s fang, which doesn’t weigh much in her hands.

  “Sir, what is the plan?” Lieutenant Lerrot asks Tenil.

  “We need supplies. What do you think I am pl
anning?”

  “Ah,” he has an idea.

  There is a reason to Tenil’s vague answer. If she told her strategy in the open where several soldiers hear her, she might risk revealing it to a spy. Since the King seems to be determined to get rid of them, he must’ve ordered spies to watch her.

  Tenil whispers in Lerrot’s ear, “I have a plan, and I need you to trust my orders.”

  “Understood.”

  She steps away from him. “We will survive.” Then she turns to Ireine, who is sitting by a tree. “Tell the men to get ready.”

  “Yes, Sir!”

  In no time, the division is on the move again. Before the siege of Loraan, Tenil had somewhat memorized the land. Naturally, she can’t remember everything, but she has a map with her. She is leading her men to a town that should be controlled by Phyr.

  They’ll attack it, steal the resources, and move on. They must do it swiftly. It’s likely the defenders don’t know about the events of Loraan yet. Therefore, the Knights of the Red Flag have a very high chance of overtaking the town in the blink of an eye.

  Furthermore, since the soldiers are tired, they can’t afford to let the enemy catch up with them. Although they’re elites, they’d lose a pitched battle in their current state. And since Tenil can’t utilize Aoveon in a while, they have to be extra careful.

  Even I can’t tell what you’re thinking, the dragon says.

  You don’t need to know.

  Exactly, but I’m curious. I can’t wait to see what you have in mind!

  Isn’t that because you want to see more death?

  Perhaps.

  Half an hour later, they reach the town. There are no walls around it, only a few barricades. The enemy soldiers number a hundred at best.

  Tenil sends two hundred footmen to enter the town in peaceful terms. The cavalry is ready to charge in the moment they’re needed. If they let the soldiers in, it’ll be an easy task to overtake the town. If not, then the cavalry will do the job.

  The locals are curiously watching Tenil’s men as they are stopped by the guards. They demand the soldiers to identify themselves, and as instructed, they claim to be from General Harrol’s regiment. As a matter of fact, he’s been promoted recently.

  Surprisingly, the guards nod and let Tenil’s knights to come. Apparently, whoever is in charge of Phyr’s army near Loraan didn’t think she’d escape from the trap. Or he might’ve, Tenil reasons, so it’s possible the guards might suddenly attack her men with a coup de main.

  But such doesn’t happens, which means the person in charge has a blind mind’s eye. Tenil is chuckling as she watches her men from a distance. The rest of the division is hiding nearby.

  Without warning, the small band Tenil’s sent to enter the town attacks the guards. The locals are ignored and spared, but the guards are butchered. It doesn’t take long before they surrender. Once they’re disarmed and herded into one building, rest of the division enters the town.

  “Do not harm anyone who doesn’t harm you! Take all the supplies you can carry!” Tenil shouts.

  ***

  An hour later where the army led by General Harrol is stationed, a rider bears an urgent message from South. Harrol’s men are displaying all sorts of negative emotions on their faces. Fear is the worst of them.

  They were there when the black rock emerged. It was General Harrol’s object to get rid of the Knights of the Red Flag. The King himself gave the order to the marshal, and the marshal forwarded the command to Harrol.

  However, a new threat has risen, namely the black creatures that are massing near the black rock. They gave chase for a few miles, until they withdrew back to the ominous rock.

  The army of Aera was forced to retreat too.

  “Where is the commanding officer!?” The messenger yells.

  “That way,” a soldier points.

  The rider dismounts due to lack of space. They’re in the open, true, but with hundreds of knights all around, there is no room to ride through the mob. He runs past the lot, and once he sees the general, he reports.

  “Sir, Ivalon was overtaken!”

  General Harrol turns to the messenger. “Was it the Division of the Red Demon?”

  “Yes!”

  “I see. Captain, is the cavalry ready?”

  “Any time.”

  “Send everything. We have to ensure the Knights of the Red Flag cannot escape.”

  “Yes, Sir!”

  Time is on our side, Tenil, Harrol smiles as he thinks of the female soldier who humiliated him. Just you wait! Once you run out of supplies, your men will starve, and you’ll have to fight alone. Once that happens, it’ll be over for you, haha!

  ***

  If the commanding officer of Phyr’s army thinks we’ll run out of supplies, he is wrong, Tenil thinks to herself.

  How can you be so confident? Aoveon asks.

  Because there are resources all around us. We just need to pick them up.

  What do you mean?

  There are towns and villages everywhere, and don’t forget the nature. Unless they fortify everything, there is nothing to worry about. And considering they have only two days to fortify the towns, I don’t think it’ll be a problem, even if they do reinforce.

  Two days, eh?

  We’ll enter the neighboring country and march through it to the land of the federation in Southeast.

  Are you insane? Even the dragon can tell it’s a suicide plan.

  No. Think about it; the republic in South hasn’t been part of this war at any point. They might be alarmed, but they certainly aren’t expecting the kingdom of Phyr to invade their land after four years of constant warring, right? If we use that belief to raid a few of their towns on our way to the federation’s land, we’ll have the element of surprise on our side. And once the kingdom’s pursuit catches up with us, they’re likely to clash with the republic army while we slither away, unless the King has made an alliance with the republic too, which I doubt. And even if they do work in tandem, it’s unlikely the republic can differentiate us from their allies in the dark of night. And I’m only scratching the surface here. I could go on for hours, if you’re so eager to know.

  T-that’s... Aoveon is speechless.

  Efficient, isn’t it?

  But what is your goal?

  To reach Bladania.

  That far!? Why?

  Because it’s the only country that wants us on their side. And most importantly, Bladanian blood courses in my veins, so I have a high chance of getting us accepted in their society. However, that’s the first goal. The second is revenge.

  Revenge? You want to kill the King?

  I want to conquer Phyr, Tenil declares.

  You’ve lost your mind, the dragon remarks.

  I haven’t. Once we get to Bladania, we have plenty of time to think about our next move. Furthermore, if I’m lucky, they’ll let me lead their forces. If I’m not mistaken, Bladania has a large reserve of soldiers. Phyr has suffered tens of thousands of losses during the four years, so conquering the kingdom isn’t just a pipe dream. True, we’re against all odds here, but I have experience backing me.

  If you succeed, the dragon promises, I’ll vow my loyalty to you. You have my word.

  Does that mean you’ll become my pet?

  If loyalty labels me a pet, then so shall it be.

  Tenil smiles wryly. Prepare to wear a collar.

  The Knights of the Red Flag have already left the town they overtook. They’ve marched South. The terrain is even compared to Phyr’s mountainous land. What’s more, there are fewer rivers than in Phyr.

  The soldiers are sated, but tired. Tenil has found a good location for the night. If it were winter, they’d surely die, but since it’s late summer, Tenil’s plan can be successful. It’s all up to the soldiers. If they have the willpower, they’ll make it.

  To keep the morale high, Tenil’s given several speeches. The knights know who their leader is, and therefore, they can trust her. She did, after all
, conquer the greatest country of the continent, Valoria.

  Right now, they’ve settled on a hill to rest for the night. Dusk is still an hour or two away, but the earlier they stop to rest, the better. They need to conserve as much stamina as they can.

  The area was a clump of spruces, but they’ve mowed down most of the trees to create an environment that is easy to defend. Tenil helped with her massive weapon despite her wound. The dragon’s fang cuts wood with ease.

  Branches haven’t been touched, so the green needles are serving as a camouflage and as a cover. Obviously, anyone can tell there is something wrong with the area since the trees have been felled. However, Tenil doesn’t care about stealth right now. The point of the felled spruces is to hinder attackers.

  Tenil knows they’re pursued. In fact, she is hoping the cavalry of the hostile army of Phyr was sent to chase her, for if that’s the case, it’s likely the enemy commanding officer will try to issue a charge to eliminate the Knights of the Red Flag in a coup de main. If they do, the Division of the Red Demon has the upper hand, even though the men are tired. It’s because of the defensive position they control.

  “Sir, a hostile cavalry is headed our way!” A soldier with keen eyes happens to spot enemy movement.

  Tenil responds at once. “Pikes to the front! Footmen behind the pikemen! Archers, stay in the middle of the formation! Once the cavalry reaches the defensive formation, rain hell!”

  The soldiers have been stationed appropriately in advance. Therefore, there is little to no buzz in the camp. Pikes are hidden in the green patches of needles, and the pikemen are behind the trunks. The cavalry won’t see the metal tips in time. Actually, the only thing they can see clearly is the formation of archers at the top of the low hill.

  The hostile cavalry is displaying the flag of Phyr. They stop five hundred yards from the defensive formation on the hill. Their commanding officer must be hesitant. If so, he is a smart leader. It’d be one thing to charge a fleeing army, but a division that’s set up a strong defensive position, exhausted or not, is far too much for a cavalry of 1,500.

  The Knights of the Red Flag are anxiously watching the riders as they wait for something. They’re likely planning their next move.